It's a Family Affair

The theme 'Same Name' reminds me of the time when, years ago, I had been exploring my Wilkinson line and hit that proverbial brickwall; unable to find anything at all about my 2nd gt grandfather Robert Wilkinson's wife Emma Anna Killik apart from what I had seen on their marriage certificate.   Emma married at the very young age of 16, to Robert Wilkinson, age 20. They married at St Mary's Church Tollesbury on 22nd September 1855. In the Father's Name and Surname column on the marriage certificate the vicar wrote - ' illegitimate daughter of Rosa Killick ' [sic]. A particularly cruel thing to have written for all to see. None of the witnesses is from Emma's side of the family. [1]

It is difficult to choose a favourite photo as those of us who are fortunate enough to have any of their ancestors will agree.   They are all pretty special but this one of family aboard my great grandfather’s barge ‘Sea Gypsy’ has to be up there.   Perhaps a Sunday afternoon picnic on the river? I just love that my Great Grandmother is actually pouring tea into a cup and saucer – who would do that these days? ……and she has on her ubiquitous floral pinny!